With countless injuries piling up at the absolute worst time, the Milwaukee Bucks have been stuck in the mud as of late.
While Damian Lillard and Jericho Sims were still firmly on the sidelines, Giannis Antetokounmpo did make his return against the New York Knicks after missing the last game due to a foot sprain. Yet, it didn't make much of a difference in terms of Milwaukee's recent losing ways. While they took a lead early, the Milwaukee Bucks simply were not a match for the Knicks as the game progressed.
New York held off any comeback attempt Milwaukee attempted to secure a 116-107 road win versus what could very well be their first round playoff opponent. With all that said, let's highlight a few studs and duds from this frustrating defeat.
Stud - Giannis Antetokounmpo
In his return to the lineup, Giannis finished with 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Even if he looked a bit rusty in spots, and he missed three questionable 3-point attempts, there is no doubt that he was a bright spot in this game. Shooting 11-of-17 from the floor and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line, the Greek Freak was efficient as he made his return.
Stud - Ryan Rollins
Fresh off a career-high 17-point night against the Denver Nuggets, Ryan Rollins one-upped himself with a 20-point night in this one. Shooting 8-of-12 from the floor, the young guard was efficient from all over the court, hitting jumpers and driving with a purpose. With five rebounds and four assists to go along with it, the guard had himself quite the night as he filled in for the injured Damian Lillard.
Dud - Milwaukee's ball security
One of the reasons the Milwaukee Bucks kept losing momentum was that they couldn't stop turning the ball over. They logged 16 on the night, and some of them were flat-out foolish, such as when Brook Lopez and Taurean Prince tried behind-the-back passes that were swiftly intercepted. That's simply not part of their games. Ball security is something this team needs to emphasize.
Dud - Kevin Porter Jr.
Without Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks have turned to Kevin Porter Jr. to bring some needed offense to the court, but he's struggled. Against the Knicks, he logged just 13 and a half minutes of game time, producing three points and two assists on 1-of-3 shooting. Given the flashes he's shown, that's simply not going to cut it any night.
Stud - Kyle Kuzma
It wasn't a perfect night for Kyle Kuzma, but he looked much better than he has lately. From the tip-off, the forward looked more in control and less erratic as he attacked the hoop, and the results followed as he shot 7-of-11 on his 2-point looks. He was a measly 1-of-5 from deep, but he still tied Rollins as Milwaukee's second-leading scorer against New York with 20 points.
Dud - Taurean Prince
Shooting a mere 1-of-4 for three points, it was a quiet night for Taurean Prince. Right now, the Bucks need offense from wherever they can get it from, and a starter producing just three points in over 25 and a half minutes won't cut it. He did grab a few rebounds and dish out a couple of assists, but the Milwaukee Bucks needed him to sink a few more of his open triples.
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